Rust-Oleum Projects

Front Door Paint Provides a Pop

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  • Estimated Time

    Approximately 3 hours

  • Challenge Level

    Easy

  • Tools & Supplies:

Modern Masters offers a how-to when it comes to painting your front door. In a few simple steps, you'll be able to add instant curb appeal to your home when you add Front Door Paint to your entryway. 

PREP: If your door has latex paint on it, simply clean off any dirt or dust and wipe dry. If mold or mildew is present, remove with retardant solution and let dry thoroughly. If your door has oil paint on it, is a new unprimed door, or if you are applying a light color over a dark color, prime with a bonding primer first.

Open the door and use a chair or something sturdy securing it from behind to prevent it from moving/swinging while you paint. Lay a drop cloth under the door. Cover anything with the painter’s tape that you think you will have trouble painting around cleanly, and remove weather stripping from jam, if possible.

With the lid of Front Door Paint tightly in place, shake the jar well and begin.

PAINT: Paint the door edge first. If the door already has painted hinges, paint them again. If they are metal, you can leave them as is.

Next, remove or paint around any numbers, windows, or hardware. If your door has raised panels, paint the reveals first and then the panels. Paint cross pieces. Paint the rails starting with the top one working down. Paint horizontally, left to right. The bottom may include weather stripping so try to edge it carefully. Getting a clean edge if you didn’t tape: lightly load the brush with paint and lay it crosswise at the edge patting the edge lightly. This will give a natural edge to the door. Then paint a vertical stroke to smooth out the paint surface. Lastly, paint the stiles (verticals). Make the final brush strokes on the two side stiles go from top to bottom in one stroke.

Wait an hour and then repeat the process. Three coats may be necessary if you are applying a light color over a dark color as we did on the door shown without priming. Leave your door open for at least 2-3 hours to dry.

Remove any tape.